Lavender and candied melon cheesecake

Lavender and Candied Melon Cheesecake - A Unique Culinary Experience

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 10-12

If you are looking for a dessert that combines elegance and originality, the lavender and candied melon cheesecake is the perfect choice. This recipe will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a sophisticated air to your table. Culinary lavender, used in moderation, offers a delicate floral aroma, while the candied melon adds a touch of sweetness and a pleasant texture.

A Brief History of Cheesecake

Cheesecake has a long history, dating back to ancient Greek times. Over the years, recipes have evolved, with each culture contributing its unique touch. Today, cheesecake enjoys popularity worldwide, adapted into numerous variations, from classic to innovative combinations like the one we will prepare today.

Ingredients

For the crust:
- 200 g plain butter biscuits
- 80 g raisin and cereal biscuits
- 1 packet of Dr. Oetker vanilla sugar
- 70 g unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
- 3-4 tablespoons sweet milk
- 1 teaspoon culinary lavender
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- Butter for greasing the pan

For the filling:
- 80-100 g candied melon (diced)
- 250 g sweet cottage cheese
- 200 ml whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon culinary lavender
- 80 g white chocolate (broken into pieces)
- 3 egg yolks
- 70 g sugar
- 2 tablespoons Dr. Oetker Gustin starch

For the glaze:
- 2 tablespoons Dr. Oetker vanilla pudding (prepared according to instructions)
- Lavender-infused cream (100 ml)

For decoration:
- Dr. Oetker confetti (white and blue)
- Lavender flowers
- Rose petals
- Jasmine buds

Step by Step

1. Preparing the Crust
- Start by preheating the oven to 170°C.
- Break the biscuits into large pieces and place them in the food processor. You can use plain biscuits or popular biscuits, depending on your preferences.
- Blend the biscuits until you get a fine mixture. Add the culinary lavender, sugar, and vanilla sugar, then blend for a few more seconds.
- Pour in the melted butter and, if necessary, add the cold milk to bind the mixture. Mix until you achieve a homogeneous composition.
- Grease a tart pan with butter and evenly distribute the mixture, pressing it down with the back of a spoon to form the crust base. Leave in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.

2. Baking the Crust
- After it has set, bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. It will become golden and crispy.

3. Preparing the Filling
- In a saucepan, add the whipping cream and culinary lavender and heat. Bring to near boiling, then let it infuse for 10 minutes. Strain the mixture to remove the lavender flowers.
- In the food processor, add the infused cream (100 ml), sweet cottage cheese, and blend until smooth.
- Add the egg yolks, sugar, starch, and blend again until homogeneous.
- Finally, add the diced candied melon and gently mix with a spatula.

4. Assembling the Cheesecake
- Pour the cheese filling over the baked crust.
- Bake in the oven at 160°C for 45-50 minutes, or until the filling is firm but slightly wobbly in the center.

5. Preparing the Glaze
- In the remaining infused cream (100 ml), add the broken white chocolate. Heat in the microwave, stirring every minute, until the chocolate is completely melted.
- Mix the melted chocolate with the vanilla pudding, then pour the warm glaze over the cheesecake, allowing it to flow gently over the edges.

6. Cooling and Decorating
- Let the cheesecake cool completely, then carefully remove the sides of the springform pan.
- Refrigerate for 2-3 hours to allow the glaze to set.
- Decorate as desired with confetti, lavender flowers, rose petals, and jasmine buds.

Practical Tips

- Choosing Lavender: It is essential to use culinary lavender, which is edible, and avoid essential oils that can be toxic. Try infusing the lavender in cream and taste gradually to achieve the desired intensity.
- Types of Biscuits: Experiment with biscuits of different flavors or textures. Digestive biscuits add a crunchy note, while raisin ones can add extra sweetness.
- Variations: You can replace the candied melon with other candied or fresh fruits, such as apricots or peaches, for a different flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

- What to do if I don't have culinary lavender?: You can try using vanilla extract or other floral flavors, but make sure to use them in moderation.
- How can I store the cheesecake?: It keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 5 days.
- Can I use cream cheese instead of sweet cottage cheese?: Yes, cream cheese can be an excellent alternative, providing a creamier texture.

Delicious Combinations

This lavender and candied melon cheesecake pairs perfectly with herbal tea or sweet wine. Additionally, vanilla ice cream or simple whipped cream can add an extra indulgence.

In conclusion, the lavender and candied melon cheesecake is not just a dessert, but a culinary experience that will transform any meal into a celebration. Enjoy every bite and share it with your loved ones – it will surely be a hit!